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Incident
Officer Sullivan was accidentally shot and killed when another officer's service revolver from his pocket and discharged. The accident occurred as several officers were speaking in the police station. As one of the officer's stood from his chair his pistol fell and discharged when it struck the ground.
Officer Sullivan had served with the Lexington Police Department for 14 years and was assigned to supervise the Health Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and several brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
129 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Health Officer Sullivan gave the Lexington Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lexington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Lexington Police Department has lost 12 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 161 officers lost to accidents in KY, 16.4% of the 984 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1897, 1 officer in KY was lost to accidents, the 44th heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1937, with 7.
In 1897, 14 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 131st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1897, 23 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 126th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 11.8% of these deaths in KY; April holds the most, 13.7%. Saturdays: 16.1%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 12 deaths at Lexington Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 16.4% of all 984 deaths in KY, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Lexington Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, John among them.
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Joseph Beard Jul 10, 1858
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Cornelius N. Hendricks Aug 1, 1881
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Thomas Donlon May 12, 1888
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William W. Weathered Jul 29, 1894
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John J. Sullivan May 22, 1897
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Michael Murphy
Nov 5, 1907
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Preston Pullen
Oct 30, 1918
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Reese Bowen Nov 29, 1918
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John T. Collopy May 14, 1919
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J. J. Estes
Jan 19, 1927
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James Banahan Feb 23, 1935
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Danny L. Redmon
Jan 3, 1967
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Lexington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
